Local government executives must focus attention on Talent Development since it is the key to attracting and retaining highly skilled people. Cal-ICMA launched the Talent Initiative program in order to help address the talent development challenge. The Talent Initiative is led by the Cal-ICMA Talent Development Team. One of the Talent Initiative activities includes the survey below of emerging leaders regarding talent development needs.

All individual responses to this survey will be kept strictly confidential. The survey data are reported only in aggregate form or in a manner that does not allow individual responses to be identified.

Question Title

* 1. When recruiting for entry-level positions, your organization eliminates minimum qualifications in order to include a larger talent pool.

Question Title

* 2. Your organization's job postings focus on meaning, values, learning, skills development, and organizational culture.

Question Title

* 3. Your organization hires for potential and learning agility vs. technical skills and knowledge.

Question Title

* 4. Your organization uses social media and new technologies to expand its recruitment reach.

Question Title

* 5. Your organization offers internships or fellowships to students, independently or through the ICMA Local Government Management Fellowship Program.

Question Title

* 6. You are encouraged to develop and grow within your organization.

Question Title

* 7. Your organization provides you with training and professional development opportunities annually to develop specific learning outcomes.

Question Title

* 8. Your organization offers mentoring and coaching opportunities to aspiring professionals.

Question Title

* 9. Your organization utilizes multi-departmental and cross-functional project action teams.

Question Title

* 10. Your organization uses interim or acting assignments, or provides job rotation opportunities to fill roles or "try out" staff.

Question Title

* 11. Your supervisor is held accountable for your professional development and follows up regularly.

Question Title

* 12. Your organization uses on-boarding activities with new employees to engage them with top management and discuss organizational values.

Question Title

* 13. Your organization incorporates flexibility in scheduling, holiday closures, and other ways of doing work.

Question Title

* 14. Your organization creates opportunities for face-to-face interactions with top management.

Question Title

* 15. Your organization has a "culture of appreciation" and recognition.

Question Title

* 16. Your organization gives you autonomy and provides you with opportunities to work on a whole project.

Question Title

* 17. Your organization promotes employee engagement, including active listening, engaging employees in problem-solving, and promoting a sense of community and belonging.

Question Title

* 18. Your organization promotes a practice of ongoing performance conversations with you (not just annual performance evaluations). 

Question Title

* 19. Your organization promotes growth and development as a core element of your job responsibilities.

Question Title

* 20. Your organization encourages you to identify your career development goals and supports your ability to achieve them.

Question Title

* 21. You are encouraged to include your desired professional development plans in your regular reviews with your supervisor. 

T